Lewis Hamilton reaffirms he wouldn’t be in F1 without the support of McLaren and Mercedes in ‘crazy expensive’ karting

Lewis Hamilton expresses gratitude to McLaren and Mercedes for their financial support in the expensive world of Formula 1.


Lewis Hamilton reaffirms he wouldn’t be in F1 without the support of McLaren and Mercedes in ‘crazy expensive’ karting

Lewis Hamilton (via IMAGO)

As the last six races of Lewis Hamilton‘s time with Mercedes approach, emotions run high. For over a decade, Hamilton has been the team’s heart, building a legacy that goes beyond stats and titles. The Briton still has the will to win as he will drive for Ferrari next year. Reflecting on his career he thanked McLaren and Mercedes for all the opportunities they gave him to become one of the greatest drivers in F1.

Lewis Hamilton expressed worries about the rising costs of entering motorsports, especially for young people and their families. He believes these increasing expenses are making it difficult for many to participate in the sport. Reflecting on his own career, Hamilton noted that racing was much more affordable when he started, estimating that costs today are two to four times higher.

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He emphasized that without the backing of top teams like Mercedes and McLaren, he might not have had the chance to race at all. This situation concerned him, as talented young drivers may miss out on opportunities simply because they can’t afford to compete.

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It’s just crazy expensive. I don’t know how much more it is today, but I heard it’s two or three times, four times more than it was when I started. If I hadn’t been signed by Mercedes and McLaren, I wouldn’t be here today.

Lewis Hamilton told GPblog.com

Further, Hamilton was also tense about how the pressure to succeed in motorsports is affecting children’s education. The Briton has heard stories about young drivers who skip school to focus on their karting careers. Hamilton emphasized the importance of staying in school and getting a good education, as he believes it’s essential for their future.

The 39-year-old pointed out that more than 99% of young drivers will never make it to Formula One, and the percentage might be even higher. The young kids risk their futures by not prioritizing education alongside racing. The Briton asserts that both should be prioritized since Formula 1 is highly uncertain and only a few get the chance to race there.

You must have to stay in school and get your education. Over 99%, probably, of the drivers don’t get to Formula One, maybe more, a higher percentage. It would be great for them to be able to have something to get to fall back on.

Lewis Hamilton stated.

Lewis Hamilton ‘hopes’ Mercedes upgrades works in Austin

Formula 1 heads to its next destination in Austin, USA. The 2024 season has been a rollercoaster for Lewis Hamilton. He has secured two wins this season, including a special victory at the British Grand Prix, marking his ninth win at Silverstone. However, he continued to struggle with the tricky W15, particularly in qualifying, which has often put him at a disadvantage. The Silver Arrows plan to introduce new upgrades to his car in Austin for him to perform better. Considering this, Hamilton hopes these upgrades will enhance his performance in both qualifying and the races.

Lewis Hamilton and Peter 'Bono' Bonnington (via barousvillage.com)
Lewis Hamilton and Peter ‘Bono’ Bonnington (via barousvillage.com)

It’s a good track, it’s one of the best circuits for racing, so I’m looking forward to going there. And yeah, hopefully, our upgrades work there.

Lewis Hamilton said, as reported by GPblog.com

Lewis Hamilton aims to end his tenure with Mercedes on a high note. After nearly a decade with the team, he acknowledges their significant role in his career success. The German manufacturer is committed to doing their best to provide Hamilton with a competitive car, ensuring he can conclude his legacy positively.